Salient pole core and salient pole electronically commutated motor

ABSTRACT

An inside-out salient pole core for a dynamo-electric machine. The core has an edgewise wound yoke including an edgewise and helically wound strip of generally thin ferromagnetic material having at least one edge defining an outer circumferential surface on the edgewise wound yoke and extending generally axially thereacross. A set of salient pole pieces is secured to the edgewise wound core at least generally adjacent its outer circumferential surface, and extends generally outwardly from the outer circumferential surface about a set of preselected pitch axes, respectively.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to dynamoelectric machines and inparticular to a salient pole electronically commutated motor and asalient pole core.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

In the past, various different types of motors have been employed todrive laundry machines or laundering apparatus. In one of these pastdriving schemes, it is believed that a conventional DC motor wasutilized to drive the laundering apparatus through either a conventionaldifferential thereof or through a conventional gear reduction device.Commutation of such past conventional DC motor was effected by brushesriding on a segmented commutator so as to control the currents flowingthrough the armature winding sections of such past conventional DCmotor. Of course, one of the disadvantageous or undesirable featuresattendant to the above discussed commutated DC motor is believed to bethat wear of the brushes riding on the segmented commutator necessitatedfrequent brush replacement. Other disadvantageous or undesirablefeatures of such past commutated DC motor are believed to be thatsparking may have occurred between the brushes and the segmentedcommutator thereof which not only may have effected RF interfernce, butalso may have limited the use of such past communated DC motors in somecritical areas or particular environmental applications. A yet furtherdisadvantageous or undesirable feature associated with such pastlaundering apparatus is believed to be that it was necessary to employ adifferential or gear reduction device with such past conventional DCmotor to effect the operation of such laundering apparatus, since it isbelieved that such differential or gear reduction device not only addedcost to such laundering apparatus but also might need repair orreplacement during the life of such laundering apparatus.

Various circuit and motor schemes have been utilized to develop varioustypes of brushless DC motors or electronically commutated motors, andone such scheme is shown in the David M. Erdman U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,005,347issued Jan. 25, 1977 and 4,015,182 issued Mar. 29, 1977, each of whichare incorporated herein by reference. In these patents, anelectronically commutated motor has a stator and a multistage windingarrangement associated therewith including a set of winding stages, arotor having a set of constant magnetic polar regions, and means forsensing the relative positions of the rotor polar regions with respectto the stator. Positive signals developed by the position sensing meanswere processed by circuitry for selectively energizing or electronicallycommutating the windings of such electronically commutated motor. Theuse of the above discussed circuitry and electronically commutated motorin a laundering device driving it through a gear reduction device isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,327,302 issued Apr. 27, 1982 to Doran D.Hershberger which is also incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among the several objects of the invention may be noted the provision ofan improved salient pole electronically commutated motor and an improvedsalient pole core which at least in part overcome at least some of theabove discussed disadvantageous or undesirable features, as well asothers, of the prior art; the provision of such improved salient poleelectronically commutated motor and salient pole core which are of acompact size and yet provide a comparatively large output rating; theprovision of such improved salient pole electronically commutated motorand salient pole core in which the formation of the components thereofis virtually scrapless; the provision of such improved salient poleelectronically commutated motor and salient pole core in which a yoke orcomponent thereof is edgewise wound and a set of salient pole pieces orsalient pole piece components thereof are each stacked laminationssecured together; the provision of such improved salient poleelectronically commutated motor and salient pole core in which thesalient pole pieces are secured to the edgewise wound core at leastgenerally adjacent an outer circumferential surface thereof; and theprovision of such improved salient pole electronically commutated motorand salient pole core in which the component parts utilized therein aresimple in design, easily assembled and economically manufactured. Theseas well as other objects and advantageous features of the presentinvention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

In one form of the invention, a salient pole core for a dynamoelectricmachine is provided with an edgewise wound yoke including an edgewiseand helically wound strip of generally thin ferromagnetic materialhaving at least one edge defining an outer circumferential surface onthe edgewise wound yoke and extending generally axially thereacross. Aset of salient pole pieces are secured to the edgewise wound yoke atleast generally adjacent its outer circumferential surface and extendtherefrom about a set of preselected pitch axes, respectively.

Also in general and in one form of the invention, a salient poleelectronically commutated motor is provided with an edgewise wound yokeincluding an edgewise and helically wound strip of generally thinferromagnetic material having at least one edge thereon defining anouter circumferential surface on the edgewise wound yoke extendinggenerally axially thereacross. A set of salient pole pieces are securedto the edgewise wound yoke at least generally adjacent its outercircumferential surface and extend outwardly therefrom about a set ofpreselected pitch axes, respectively. A multistage winding arrangementincludes a set of concentrated winding stages associated with thesalient pole pieces and adapted to be electronically commutated in atleast one preselected sequence, respectively. Permanent magnet rotormeans is arranged generally circumferentially about the salient polepieces and is associated in selective magnetic coupling relation withthe concentrated winding stages for driven rotation upon the electroniccommutation of at least some of the winding stages in the at least onepreselected sequence, respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an inside-out salient poleelectronically commutated motor in one form of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial view taken from FIG. 1 showing a yokesection of a salient pole core in one form of the invention for theinside-out salient pole electronically commutated motor as edgewisewound from a lanced strip of generally thin ferromagnetic material andillustrating principles which may be practiced in a method offabricating a salient pole electronically commutated motor;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view showing the lancing of salient polepiece laminations from strip stock of generally thin ferromagneticmaterial;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a generally axial stack of thelaminations of FIG. 3 secured together generally in face-to-facerelation thereby to define a salient pole piece for the inside-outsalient pole electronically commutated motor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial exploded view taken from FIG. 1 showing inperspective a part of the yoke section, one of the salient pole pieces,and one wound insulation bobbin in cross section of the inside-outsalient pole electronically commutated motor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6--6 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial view taken from FIG. 1 illustrating thedisplacement preventing engagement of an extension on one of the salientpole pieces received within one of the notch rows in an outercircumferential surface of the yoke section;

FIG. 8 is generally the same as FIG. 7 but showing an alternativeconstruction of a wedge pin disposed in interlocking or displacementpreventing engagement between the salient pole piece extension and thenotch row of the yoke section thereby to illustrate an alternativeinside-out salient pole electronically commutated motor in one form ofthe invention and an alternative method of fabricating a core in one,respectively;

FIG. 9 is also generally the same as FIG. 7 but showing a hardenableadhesive material disposed in adhering engagement between the salientpole piece extension and the notch row of the yoke section thereby toillustrate another alternative inside-out salient pole electronicallycommutated motor in one form of the invention and another alternativemethod of fabricating a core, respectively;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken from FIG. 1 andillustrating the passage of concentrated winding stages through adjacentwinding receiving slots between adjacent salient pole pieces with whichthe concentrated winding stages are associated on the yoke section,respectively;

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective sectional view showing an integralinsulation system associated with the salient pole pieces and the yokesection to electrically insulate therefrom the concentrated windingstages thereby to illustrate another alternative inside-out salient poleelectronically commutated motor in one form of the invention and analternative method of fabricating a core, respectively;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial view taken from FIG. 1 showing a rotor ofthe inside-out salient pole electronically commutated motor as edgewisewound from another lanced strip of generally thin ferromagneticmaterial;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the edgewise woundrotor of FIG. 12 showing one permanent magnet material element of a setthereof associated with the edgewise wound rotor;

FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of an alternative rotorconstruction which may be utilized in the inside-out salient poleelectronically commutated motor of FIG. 1 in one form of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a partial front elevational view of an alternative yokesection of an alternative salient pole core in one form of the inventionas edgewise wound from a lanced strip of generally thin ferromagneticmaterial and teaching principles which may be employed in an alternativemethod of fabricating a salient pole electronically commutated motor;

FIG. 16 is an exploded partial perspective view showing the yoke sectionof FIG. 15, an alternative salient pole piece and a wound insulationbobbin as may be utilized in an alternative construction of a salientpole electronically commutated motor in one form of the invention;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged partial elevational view taken from FIG. 16illustrating the displacement preventing engagement of one of theextensions on the outer circumferential surface of the alternative yokesection received within the notch row therefor in the alternativesalient pole piece;

FIG. 18 is a partial front elevational view of another alternative yokesection of an alternative salient pole core in one form of the inventionas edgewise wound from a lanced strip of generally thin ferromagneticmaterial and illustrates principles which may be employed in analternative method of fabricating a salient pole electronicallycommutated motor;

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing another alternativesalient pole piece and a split insulation bobbin therefor andillustrating principles which may be practiced in another alternativemethod of fabricating a salient pole electronically commutated motor;

FIG. 20 is a partial sectional view illustrating the winding of turns ofan insulated conductor on the split insulation bobbin disposed about thealternative pole piece of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is an exploded partial perspective view of the wound salientpole piece of FIG. 20 disposed for mounting relation with an outercircumferential surface of the yoke section of FIG. 18 thereby toillustrate another alternative salient pole electronically commutatedmotor in one form of the invention;

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a multistage winding arrangementfor the inside-out salient pole electronically commutated motor of FIG.1;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged partial view taken from FIG. 22 showingillustrating the like winding configuration of the winding stages of themultistage winding arrangement;

FIG. 24 is a schematic view partially in section of apparatus forlaundering fabrics in a fluid;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged partial view taken from FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 26--26 in FIG.24;

FIG. 27 is a partial sectional view illustrating an alternative drivinginterconnection between agitating means and spinning means for theapparatus of FIG. 24;

FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus of FIG. 24 and anexemplary drive therefor; and

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary control circuit for theinside-out salient pole electronically commutated motor of FIG. 1 asdrivingly associated with the apparatus of FIG. 24.

Corresponding reference characters refer to corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

The exemplifications set out herein illustrate the preferred embodimentsof the invention in one form thereof, and such exemplifications are notto be construed as limiting either the scope of the disclosure or thescope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the drawings in general, there is illustrated a methodfor fabricating a salient pole electronically commutated motor(hereinafter sometimes referred to as ECM) 31 with the salient poleelectronically commutated motor including a lanced strip 33 of generallythin ferromagnetic material (FIGS. 1-10). Lanced strip 33 is formed orgenerally edgewise and helically wound into a generally annular edgewisewound yoke or yoke section 35 for salient pole electronically commutatedmotor 31 (FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6), and a set of salient poles 37 are formedor otherwise established on the edgewise wound yoke section beingdisposed about a set of preselected pitch axes 39 so as to extendgenerally outwardly from the edgewise wound yoke section, respectively(FIGS. 1 and 3-7).

More particularly and with specific reference to FIG. 2, lanced strip 35may be lanced, punched or otherwise formed by suitable means well knownto the art, such as a progressive die set (not shown) or the like forinstance, from strip stock 41 of generally thin ferromagnetic materialhaving desired electrical and magnetic characteristics and the physicalproperties desirable to enhance the edgewise winding of the lancedstrip. A pair of generally opposite edges 43, 43a are provided on lancedstrip 33 extending generally lengthwise thereof, and a set or pluralityof predeterminately spaced apart notches 45 are provided in oppositeedge 43 of the lanced strip spanning pitch axes 39, respectively.

Lanced strip 33 is edgewise deformed or wound into a plurality ofgenerally helical convolutions thereof which are accumulated in agenerally loose wound annular stack defining yoke section 35 having apreselected axial length or stack height. Thus, opposite edges 43, 43aon deformed lanced strip 33 of edgewise wound yoke section 35 define apair of generally radially spaced apart outer and inner circumferentialsurfaces 47, 47a thereof, and the outer and inner circumferentialsurfaces extend generally axially across the yoke section between a pairof generally axially spaced apart opposite end faces 49, 49a thereof,which define the aforementioned axial length of the yoke section,respectively. Of course, the leading and trailing end portions ofedgewise deformed lanced strip 33 in edgewise wound yoke section 35 aregenerally flat and arranged generally in parallel spaced apart relationso as to define opposite end faces 49, 49a thereof, respectively.Further, pitch axes 39 and notches 45 in opposite edge 43 of deformedlanced strip 33 in yoke section 35 are generally radially spaced apart,and the notches are arranged or aligned generally in a set or pluralityof rows or row formations 45r thereof to define grooves or groove meansin outer circumferential surface 47 of the yoke section extendingtransversely or generally axially thereacross between opposite end faces49, 49a of the yoke section, respectively. Of course, the loose woundhelical convolutions of deformed lanced strip 33 in yoke section 35 areeasily adjustable or positioned one to another thereof, and suchadjusting or positioning may be accomplished by associating the yokesection with an alignment fixture or arbor, as well known in the art, toeffect the desired aligned configuration of the yoke section with notchrows 45r and outer and inner circumferential surfaces 47, 47a beingaligned generally axially across the yoke section between opposite endfaces 49, 49a thereof; however, for tne sake of brevity of disclosureand drawing simplification, the association of the yoke section withsuch an alignment arbor is omitted. If a more detailed discussion of theedgewise winding of a lanced strip into an edgewise wound core and/orapparatus for accomplishing such is desired, reference may be had to thecommonly assigned U.S. patent application of Harold L. Fritzsche, Ser.No. 660,211 filed Oct. 12, 1984 which is incorporated herein byreference.

As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of salient pole piecelaminations 51 may be lanced, punched or otherwise formed by suitablemeans well known to the art, such as a progressive die set (not shown)or the like for instance, from strip stock 53 of generally thinferromagnetic material having desired electrical and magneticproperties, and a pair of opposite faces or surfaces 55, 55a on thestrip stock, of course, define opposite faces or surfaces on the salientpole piece laminations or ferromagnetic material laminations. Subsequentto the lancing of salient pole piece laminations 51 from strip stock 53,the salient pole piece laminations may be arranged or otherwiseassociated generally in surface-to-surface or interfering relation in aplurality of generally axial stacks thereof and secured together in suchstacks by suitable means well known to the art, such as laser welding orthe like for instance, thereby to form or define a set of salient polepieces or salient pole teeth 57 for ECM 31, respectively. It may benoted that the length or axial stack height of salient pole pieces 57may at least correspond to the axial length of yoke section 35 betweenopposite end faces 49, 49a thereof.

Upon the formation of salient pole pieces 57 from salient pole piecelamination 51, as discussed above, the salient pole pieces each includean intermediate or winding receiving section 59 integrally interposedbetween a base or root section 61 and a generally arcuate tip section 63which has a pair of opposite tip ends or end portions 63a, 63b extendinggenerally laterally beyond the intermediate section, and theintermediate, base and tip sections are interposed between a pair ofopposite end faces on each salient pole piece defined by opposite faces55, 55a of the opposite end salient pole piece laminations thereof,respectively. Salient pole piece laminations 51 in each salient polepiece 57 are also provided with integral extensions or extension means65 extending from base section 61 thereof and arranged in row formationtransversely across the salient pole piece between opposite end faces55, 55a thereof to define a projection or an extension row or rowformation 65r on the salient pole piece. As is apparent from FIGS. 3 and5, the width of tip section 86 between tip ends 63a,63b is substantiallygreater than the widths of either winding receiving section 59 or basesection 61. Of course, the formation or assembly of salient pole pieces57, as discussed above, may occur either prior or subsequent to theedgewise winding of lanced strip 33 into yoke section 35 or generallyconcurrently therewith.

Either prior or subsequent to the formation or assembly of yoke section35 and salient pole pieces 57 or substantially simultaneously therewith,a set or plurality of concentrated windings or winding means 67 for ECM31 may be wound or formed on a set or plurality of insulating means,such as for instance integral bobbins 69 or the like of suitableelectrical insulation material, for containing or supporting thewindings, respectively, as best seen in FIG. 5. Bobbins 69 each have asleeve 71 defining an opening 73 therethrough, and a pair of spacedapart opposite flanges 75, 75a are integrally provided on the sleeveextending generally radially outwardly thereof, respectively. Apreselected number of conductor turns of an insulated conductor 77, suchas magnet wire or the like as well known to the art, is randomly orlayer wound about sleeve 71 of bobbin 69 between opposite flanges 75,75a thereof so as to form a concentrated winding 67, and a pair ofopposite ends or end portions 79, 79a of the insulated conductor may bearranged or extended from the concentrated winding wound on the bobbinfor connection in circuit relation, as discussed in greater detailhereinafter. While only opposite ends 79, 79a of concentrated windings67 are illustrated herein for purposes of disclosure as being broughtout from the concentrated windings, it is contemplated that suchconcentrated windings may have at least one tapped section with tapconnections or leads thereof also being brought out from theconcentrated windings within the scope of the invention so as to meet atleast some of the objects thereof.

At this time in the fabrication of ECM 31, intermediate and basesections 59, 61 of salient pole pieces 57 may be inserted or passed atleast in part through openings 73 in wound bobbins 69 so as to disposeopposite flanges 75, 75a thereof at least adjacent base and tip sections61, 63 of the salient pole pieces with at least projection rows 65rthereof protruding or extending from the wound bobbins beyond oppositeflange 75a thereof, respectively, as best seen in FIGS. 5-7. Upon theabove discussed assembly of salient pole pieces 57 with wound bobbin 69,projection rows 65r on the salient pole pieces are moved, such as bysliding or press fitting or the like, into interlocking or displacementpreventing engagement with notch rows 45r in outer circumferentialsurface 47 of yoke section 35, respectively. When projection rows 65r onsalient pole pieces 57 are so received within notch rows 45r of yokesection 35, base sections 61 of the salient pole pieces are engaged withouter circumferential surface 47 of the yoke section at least generallyadjacent notch rows 45r therein, and wound bobbins 69 are captured orcaged generally between tip sections 63 on the salient pole pieces andthe outer circumferential surface on the yoke section at least adjacentthe notch rows therein, respectively. Further, upon the reception ofprojection rows 65r on salient pole pieces 57 in displacement preventingengagement within notch rows 45r of yoke section 35, the salient polepieces extend about preselected pitch axes 39 therefor generallyoutwardly from outer circumferential surface 47 on the yoke section, andopposite end faces 55, 55a of the salient pole pieces are disposed so asto be at least generally coextensive with opposite end faces 49, 49a onthe yoke section, respectively. Due to the particular cooperatingkeystone or dovetail configurations of projection rows 65r on salientpole pieces 57 and notch rows 45r in yoke section 35, the aforementioneddisplacement preventing engagement therebetween obviates displacement ofthe salient pole pieces from the yoke section in a direction generallyoutwardly of outer circumferential surface 47 thereof, and it isbelieved that the interfacing engagement between the projection rows andthe notch rows may obviate displacement of the salient pole pieces fromthe yoke section generally axially thereof, i.e., past either oppositeend face 49, 49a thereof, respectively. Thus, with salient poles 37being formed so as to extend generally radially outwardly from outercircumferential surface 47 of yoke section 35, it may be noted that ECM31 is of the inside-out type as compared to a salient poledynamoelectric machine having salient poles extending generally radiallyinwardly from the yoke section thereof.

In addition to the foregoing, it may be noted that the association ofsalient pole pieces 57 with wound bobbins 69 thereon in mountingrelation with yoke section 35 at least adjacent outer circumferentialsurface 47 thereof is effective to form, establish or otherwise definesalient poles 37 of ECM 31. Furthermore, since yoke section 35 has beencharacterized as being generally loose wound from deformed lanced strip33, as previously mentioned, it may also be noted that the reception ofprojection rows 65r on salient pole pieces 57 in the displacementpreventing engagement thereof with notch rows 45r in the yoke section isbelieved to be effective to retain the generally loose wound helicalconvolutions of the deformed lanced strip which define the yoke sectionagainst displacement from the previously mentioned aligned configurationthereof.

In an alternative fabricating method, as best seen in FIG. 8, a set ofwedging means or wedges 81 may be wedged or otherwise inserted intowedging engagement between projection rows 65r on salient pole pieces 57and notch rows 45r in yoke section 35 thereby to insure or enhance theaforementioned displacement preventing engagement between theprojections and notch rows, respectively. Thus, if the tolerancevariations of notch rows 45r and projection rows 65r are such that aslide fit or press fit therebetween is unattainable during the assemblyof salient pole pieces 57 with yoke section 35, wedges 81 interposedbetween the notch rows and projection rows are effective to wedge theminto the desired displacement preventing engagement, respectively.

In another alternative fabricating method as best seen in FIG. 9, ahardenable adhesive material 83 may be applied between projection rows65r on salient pole pieces 57 and notch rows 45r in yoke section 35, andthe hardenable adhesive material may then be hardened in place to atleast assist in insuring or enhancing the aforementioned displacementpreventing engagement of the projections and notch rows, respectively.Of course, some hardenable adhesive material 83 may also be hardened inplace between base sections 61 of salient pole pieces 57 and outercircumferential surface 47 of yoke section 35 adjacent notch rows 45rtherein, respectively.

Upon the securement of salient pole pieces 57 with wound bobbins 69thereon to yoke section 35, a set or plurality of winding receivingslots 85 are provided between adjacent ones of the salient pole pieces,and concentrated windings 67 disposed about the salient pole piecesextend or protrude through adjacent ones of the slots, respectively, asbest seen in FIG. 10. Each of slots 85 have a closed end portion 87defined by outer circumferential surface 47 on yoke section 35 betweenbase sections 61 of adjacent ones of salient pole pieces 57, and an openend portion 89 of each slot is defined generally between opposed tipends 63a, 63b of tip sections 63 on adjacent ones of the salient polepieces, respectively.

When salient pole pieces 57 are so secured to yoke section 35, asdiscussed above, connecting means, such as a generally annular printedcircuit board 91 or the like for instance may be mounted by suitablemeans to the yoke section at least generally adjacent one of oppositeend faces 49, 49a thereof, and opposite ends 79, 79a of conductors 77defining concentrated windings 67 on bobbins 69 may be connected incircuit relation with the printed circuit board, as best seen in FIG. 6.Therefore, a multistage winding arrangement, indicated generally at 93,includes concentrated windings 67 associated with salient pole pieces 57and interconnected in circuit relation with printed circuit board 91,and the concentrated windings are, of course, adapted to beelectronically commutated in at least one preselected sequence to effectthe energization of ECM 31, as discussed in greater detail hereinafter.

While yoke section 35 has been discussed herein for purposes ofdisclosure as comprising generally loose wound helical convolutions ofdeformed lanced strip 33 associated in aligned relation in the yokesection, it is contemplated that such helical convolutions of thedeformed lanced strip may be secured together by suitable means wellknown to the art, such as welding or bonding or the like for instance,thereby to provide a generally rigid yoke section prior to theassociation therewith of salient pole pieces 57 within the scope of theinvention so as to meet at least some of the objects thereof.Furthermore, while projection rows 65r on salient pole pieces 57 andnotch rows 45r in yoke section 35 are illustrated herein as having acooperating dovetail or keystone shaped configuration for purposes ofdisclosure, it is contemplated that various other projection rows andnotch rows having various other configurations may be utilized withinthe scope of the invention so as to meet at least some of the objectsthereof. Additionally, even though bobbins 69 have been shown anddiscussed herein as a means to electrically insulate concentratedwindings 67 from salient pole pieces 57 and yoke section 35 for purposesof disclosure, it is contemplated that various other schemes orcomponents may be utilized to effect such electrical insulation withinthe scope of the invention so as to meet at least some of the objectsthereof. For instance, in an alternative fabricating method as best seenin FIG. 11, an integral insulation, indicated generally at 95 is adheredto yoke section 35 and salient pole pieces 57 with tip sections 63 onthe salient pole pieces being, of course, masked from such integralinsulation. If a more detailed explanation of integral insulation 95and/or its application to components is desired, reference may be had toU.S. Pat. No. 3,122,667 issued Feb. 25, 1964 which is incorporated byreference herein.

Either prior or subsequent to the fabrication of yoke section 35 and thecomponent parts associated therewith, as discussed above, or generallysimultaneous therewith, a permanent magnet rotor or rotor means 101 forECM 31 may also be fabricated or assembled which includes a rotor 103and a set or plurality of permanent magnet material elements 105, asbest seen in FIGS. 12 and 13. Rotor 103 may be edgewise wound or formedfrom another lanced strip 107 lanced or otherwise formed by suitablemeans well known to the art, such as a progressive die set (not shown)or the like for instance, from a strip stock 109 of generally thinferromagnetic material having desired electrical and magneticcharacteristics as well as physical properties to enhance edgewisewinding of the lanced strip. A pair of opposite edges 111, 111a areprovided on lanced strip 107 extending generally lengthwise thereof, anda set or plurality of predeterminately spaced apart location notches 113are provided in opposite edge 111a of the lanced strip along the lengththereof.

Lanced strip 107 may be edgewise and helically deformed or wound andaccumulated in a generally annular stack of helical convolutions thereofdefining rotor 103 generally in the same manner discussed hereinabovewith respect to the edgewise deformation of lanced strip 33 into yokesection 35. Therefore, opposite edges 111, 111a of edgewise deformedlanced strip 107 define generally radially spaced apart outer and innercircumferential surfaces 115, 115a on rotor 103, and the inner and outercircumferential surfaces extend generally transversely or axially acrossthe rotor between a pair of generally axially spaced apart opposite endfaces 117, 117a thereof respectively. Of course, the leading andtrailing end portions on edgewise deformed lanced strip 107 formingedgewise wound rotor 103 define opposite end faces 117, 117a thereof,respectively. Further, location notches 113 in opposite edge 111a oflanced strip 107 in rotor 103 are arranged or aligned in a set orplurality of rows 113r thereof in inner circumferential surface 115 ofthe rotor, and the location notch rows are arcuately spaced apart aboutthe inner circumferential surface extending generally transversely oraxially thereacross between opposite end faces 117, 117a of the rotor,respectively. As previously discussed with respect to yoke section 35,the generally loose wound helical convolutions of deformed lanced strip107 in rotor 103 are easily adjustable or positioned one to anotherthereof, and such adjusting or positioning may be accomplished byassociating the rotor with an alignment fixture or arbor, as is wellknown in the art, to effect the desired aligned configuration oflocation notch rows 113r and outer and inner circumferential surfaces115, 115a of the rotor; however, for the sake of brevity of disclosureand drawing simplification, the aforementioned association of the rotorwith such alignment arbor is omitted. Upon the fabrication of edgewisewound rotor 103, as discussed above, another hardenable adhesivematerial 121 may be applied to permanent magnet material elements 105and/or notch rows 113r in inner circumferential surface 115 of therotor, and the permanent magnet material elements may then be located orotherwise arranged in preselected assembly or located positions thereforwithin the locating notch rows in locating engagement therewith,respectively. Upon the hardening of hardenable adhesive material 121thereby to secure permanent magnet material elements 105 in thepreselected located positions thereof on rotor 103 against displacementtherefrom, the rotor may be disposed or arranged in an operative orrotating position generally circumferentially about yoke section 35 withpermanent magnet material elements 105 spaced generally radiallyoutwardly from tip sections 63 of salient pole pieces 57 secured to theyoke section thereby to define a magnetic gap generally between the tipsections and the permanent magnet material elements. While permanentmagnet material elements 105 are of the neodymium type available fromGeneral Motors Corporation, Detroit, Mich. under the tradename"Magnequench I", it is contemplated that other types of permanent magnetmaterial elements may be employed within the scope of the invention soas to meet at least some of the objects thereof. To complete thediscussion of the fabricating method for inside-out salient poleelectronically commutated motor 31, when permanent magnet rotor 101 isassociated in its operative position about yoke section 35, permanentmagnet material elements 105 are disposed for selective magneticcoupling relation with concentrated windings 67 on salient pole pieces57 upon the electronic commutation of the concentrated windings, asdiscussed in greater detail hereinafter. While ECM 31 is disclosed ashaving twenty-four salient poles 37 with permanent magnet rotor means101 having sixteen permanent magnet material elements 105, it iscontemplated that a different number of salient poles and permanentmagnet material elements may be utilized within the scope of theinvention so as to meet at least some of the objects thereof.

An alternative permanent magnet rotor means 125 is illustrated in FIG.14 for use in ECM 31 within the scope of the invention so as to meet atleast some of the objects thereof. Permanent magnet rotor means 125includes a generally annular rotor 127 having a plurality or set ofgenerally arcuate segments 129 formed from a ferromagnetic material, andeach arcuate segment includes means, indicated at 131, for interlockingin displacement preventing engagement with an adjacent one of thesegments defining the rotor, as well known to the art. Interlockedarcuate segments 129 define an inner circumferential surface 133 onrotor 127, and permanent magnet material elements 105 may be adhered tothe inner circumferential surface in preselected arcuately spaced apartlocated positions thereabout.

Another alternative method of fabricating salient pole electronicallycommutated motor 31 is shown in FIGS. 15-17 utilizing generally the samecomponent parts as previously discussed with the exception notedhereinafter.

Another lanced strip 135 may be lanced from a strip stock 137 ofgenerally thin ferromagnetic material by suitable means, such as aprogressive die set (not shown) or the like for instance as well knownto the art, and the lanced strip is provided with a pair of oppositeedges 139, 139a extending generally lengthwise thereof as best seen inFIG. 15. A plurality of generally keystone or dovetail shapedprojections 141 are integrally formed on opposite edge 139 of lancedstrip 135 in predetermined spaced apart relation along the lengththereof.

Lanced strip 135 may be edgewise and helically deformed or wound andaccumulated in a generally annular stack of helical convolutions thereofdefining a yoke section 143 in the same manner as previously discussedwith respect to the edgewise deformation of lanced strip 33 into yokesection 35 as best seen in FIGS. 15 and 16. Therefore, opposite edges139, 139a of edgewise deformed lanced strip 135 define generallyradially spaced apart outer and inner circumferential surfaces 145, 145aon yoke section 143, and the outer and inner circumferential surfacesextend generally axially across the yoke section between a pair ofopposite end faces 149, 149a thereof. Of course, the leading andtrailing portions on edgewise deformed lanced strip 135 forming yokesection 143 define opposite end faces 149, 149a thereof, respectively.Further, projections 141 on opposite edge 139 of lanced strip 135 inyoke section 143 are arranged or aligned in a set or plurality of rowsor row formations 141r thereof, and projection rows 141r extendgenerally outwardly on pitch axes 39 from outer circumferential surface145 and generally axially thereacross between opposite end faces 149,149a of yoke section 143, respectively.

Alternative salient pole pieces 153 are fabricated from a plurality oflanced pole piece laminations 155 generally in the same manner as thepreviously discussed fabrication of salient pole pieces 63 from lancedpole piece laminations 57. It may be noted that a base section 157 onpole piece laminations 155 extends in part generally laterally beyondintermediate section 59 thereof in spaced apart relation with tipsection 63, and the base section has a generally keystone or dovetailshaped opening or notch 159 therethrough. Of course, when pole piecelaminations 155 are stacked in interconnected relation to form salientpole pieces 153, base sections 157 on such pole piece laminations extendacross the salient pole pieces between opposite end faces 149, 149athereof, and notches 159 through the base sections are aligned generallyin a row or row formation 159r thereof between the opposite end faces ofthe salient pole piece, respectively.

Insulating means, such as a split bobbin 163 of suitable insulationmaterial, has generally the same component parts as the previouslydiscussed bobbin 69 with the exception that the split bobbin is severedalong a parting line 165 extending through sleeve 71 and oppositeflanges 75, 75a of the split bobbin. Therefore, split bobbin 163 may beopened or spread apart at parting line 165 thereof, and when so spreadapart, the split bobbin may be disposed in an assembly position thereofon salient pole piece 153. When split bobbin 163 is in its assemblyposition on salient pole piece 153, intermediate section 59 thereof isreceived within opening 73 through sleeve 71 of the split bobbin, andopposite flanges 75, 75a of the split bobbin are disposed at leastadjacent tip section 63 and base section 157 on the salient pole piece.Thus, in its assembly position, split bobbin 163 is captured or caged onsalient pole piece 153 against displacement therefrom between tipsection 63 and base section 157 of the salient pole piece. Thereafter, apreselected number of conductor turns of insulated conductor 77, may berandomly or layer wound about sleeve 71 of split bobbin 163 betweenopposite flanges 75, 75a thereof so as to form a concentrated winding 67while the split bobbin is disposed in its assembly position on salientpole piece 153. After concentrated winding 67 is wound about splitbobbin 163 on salient pole piece 153, notch row 159r in base section 157of respective ones of the salient pole pieces are moved, such as bysliding or press fitting or the like for instance, into interlocking ordisplacement preventing engagement with projection rows 141r extendingfrom outer circumferential surface 145 of yoke section 143,respectively. When notch rows 159r in salient pole pieces 153 are soarranged in the displacement preventing engagement thereof withprojection rows 141r on yoke section 143, parts of base section 157adjacent the notch rows in the salient pole pieces are engaged inabutment with parts of outer circumferential surface 145 on the yokesection adjacent the projection rows, and opposite end faces 55, 55a ofthe salient pole pieces are generally coextensive with opposite endfaces 149, 149a on the yoke section, respectively. Thus, when so securedto yoke section 143, salient pole pieces 153 with concentrated windings67 thereon extend on preselected pitch axes 39 generally outwardly fromouter circumferential surface 145 of the yoke section, and rotor 103 maybe associated in assembly relation generally circumferentially about tipsections 63 of the salient pole pieces on the yoke section withpermanent magnet material elements 105 on the rotor defining with thetip sections on the salient pole pieces the magnetic gap therebetween,respectively.

Still another alternative method of fabricating ECM 31 is shown in FIGS.18-21 utilizing generally the same component parts as previouslydiscussed with the exceptions noted hereinafter.

In practicing this alternative fabrication method, another lanced strip171 may be lanced from strip stock 173 of generally thin ferromagneticmaterial by suitable means, such as a progressive die set (not shown) orthe like, and the lanced strip is provided with a pair of opposite edges175, 175a extending generally lenthwise thereof as best seen in FIG. 18.A plurality of projections 177 are integrally formed on opposite edge175 of lanced strip 171 in predetermined spaced apart relation along thelength thereof, and a plurality of location notches 179 are formedbetween the projections, respectively.

Lanced strip 171 may be edgewise and helically deformed or wound andaccumulated in a generally annular stack thereof defining a yoke section181 for salient pole electronically commutated motor 31 in the samemanner as previously discussed with respect to the edgewise deformationof lance strip 33 into yoke section 35 as best seen in FIGS. 18 and 21.Therefore, opposite edges 175, 175a of edgewise deformed lance strip 171define generally radially spaced apart outer and inner circumferentialsurfaces 183, 183a on yoke section 181, and the outer and innercircumferential surfaces extend generally axially across the yokesection between a pair of opposite end faces 185, 185a thereon,respectively. The leading and trailing end portions of edgewise deformedlanced strip 171 forming yoke section 181 define opposite end faces 185,185a thereon, respectively. Further, projections 177 and locationnotches 179 in opposite edge 175 of lanced strip 171 in yoke section 181are arranged or aligned in sets or pluralities of rows or row formations177r, 179r thereof, and the location notch rows extend generally axiallyacross outer circumferential surface 183 on yoke section 181 betweenopposite end faces 185, 185a thereof, respectively.

An alternative salient pole piece 187 for association with yoke section181 has generally the same component parts as the previously discussedsalient pole piece 153 with the exception that notch row 159r of salientpole piece 153 is omitted from salient pole pieces 187. Further, splitbobbin 163 and concentrated winding 67 are assembled with salient polepiece 187 generally in the same manner as previously discussed withrespect to the assembly of the split bobbin and concentrated windingwith salient pole piece 153. When split bobbins 163 and concentratedwindings 67 are so assembled about salient pole pieces 187, a hardenableadhesive material 189 may be applied onto base sections 157 of thesalient pole pieces and/or onto notch rows 179r of yoke section 181, andthe base sections of the salient pole pieces may be seated or located inpreselected located or assembly positions within the notch rows of theyoke section. Upon the hardening of hardenable adhesive material 189between base sections 157 of salient pole pieces 187 and notch rows 179rin yoke section 181, the salient pole pieces are secured in displacementpreventing engagement with the yoke section, and the salient pole piecesextend on preselected pitch axes 39 generally outwardly from outercircumferential surface 183 of the yoke section, respectively.Thereafter, rotor 103 may be associated in assembly relation generallycircumferentially about tip sections 63 of salient pole pieces 187 onyoke section 181 with permanent magnet material elements 105 on therotor defining with the tip sections on the salient pole pieces themagnetic gap therebetween, respectively.

With reference again to the drawings in general and recapitulating atleast in part with respect to the foregoing, there is illustrated in oneform of the invention a salient pole core 191 for a dynamoelectricmachine, such as for instance ECM 31 or the like (FIG. 1). Salient polecore 191 has edgewise wound yoke 35 which includes edgewise andhelically wound strip 33 of generally thin ferromagnetic material withat least one edge 43 thereon defining outer circumferential surface 47on the yoke and extending generally axially thereacross (FIGS. 2, 5 and6). A set of salient pole pieces 57 are secured to edgewise wound yoke35 at least generally adjacent its outer circumferential surface 47 andextend therefrom generally outwardly about preselected pitch axes 39,respectively (FIGS. 1 and 5-7).

Further, salient pole electronically commutated motor 31 in one form ofthe invention has edgewise wound yoke 35 which includes edgewise andhelically wound strip 33 having at least one edge 43 thereon definingouter circumferential surface on the yoke extending generally axiallythereacross (FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6). Salient pole pieces 57 are secured toyoke 35 at least generally adjacent its outer circumferential surface 47and extend outwardly therefrom about preselected pitch axes 39,respectively (FIGS. 5 and 6). Multistage winding arrangement 93 has aplurality or set of winding stages C, D, E each including a set ofconcentrated windings 67-1 to 67-8 disposed about salient pole pieces 57and with the concentrated winding stages being adapted to beelectronically commutated in at least one preselected sequence (FIGS. 1,22 and 23). Permanent magnet rotor means 101 is arranged generallycircumferentially about salient pole pieces 57 and is associated inselective magnetic coupling relation with concentrated winding stages C,D, E for driven rotation in response to the electronic commutation of atleast some of concentrated windings 67-1 to 67-8 of the concentratedwinding stages in the at least one preselected sequence, respectively(FIGS. 1, 22 and 23).

More particularly and with specific reference to FIGS. 22 and 23,concentrated winding stages C, D, E in multistage winding arrangement 93of ECM 31 are each of like winding configuration including eightconcentrated windings indicated as 67-1 to 67-8, as best seen in FIG.23; however, in FIG. 1, the concentrated windings are designated byreference numerals 67-1C to 67-8C, 67-1D to 67-8D and 67-1E to 67-8E forthe purposes of identifying each concentrated winding in the particularwinding stage in which it is connected. Each concentrated winding stageC, D, E has a tapped section 195C, 195D, 195E including concentratedwindings 61-1 and 61-5 of the particular concentrated winding stage, andthe tapped sections are interposed between one end terminal 197C, 197D,197E of each concentrated winding stage and the other end terminalsthereof which are commonly connected at 199, respectively. Tappedsections 195C, 195D, 195E of the concentrated winding stages arecontrolled by a set or plurality of switch means operable generallybetween a pair of switching modes, such as for instance ganged, singlepole, double throw relay means or tap relays 201C, 201D, 201E for makingwith and breaking from a pair of relay or tap terminals 203C, 203D, 203Eand 205C, 205D, 205E, respectively. While switch means 201C, 201D, 201Eare illustrated herein for purposes of disclosure as being relays, it iscontemplated that other switch means either of the solid state type orthe electromechanical type may be utilized within the scope of theinvention so as to meet at least some of the objects thereof. It may benoted that tap terminals 203C, 203D, 203E are connected in common at204, as best seen in FIG. 29. Thus, when relays 201C, 201D, 201E aremade with tap terminals 203C, 203D, 203E, only tapped sections 195C,195D, 195E of concentrated winding stages C, D, E are connected incircuit relation end terminals 197C, 197D, 197E and common end terminal199, and when the relays are made with tap terminals 205C, 205D, 205E,then all of concentrated windings 67-1 to 67-8 in the concentratedwinding stages are connected in circuit relation between end terminals197C, 197D, 197E and common end terminal 199 thereof, respectively. Itmay be noted that when tapped sections 195C, 195D, 195E are connectedacross end terminals 197C, 197D, 197E and common end terminal 199, thetapped sections may be electronically commutated in one preselectedsequence to effect the operation of ECM 31 in a low speed-high torquemode wherein permanent magnet rotor means 101, in the selected magneticcoupling relation thereof with concentrated winding stages C, D, E, isdriven with oscillatory movement, i.e., in clockwise andcounterclockwise directions, and when all of concentrated windings 67-1to 67-8 in the concentrated winding stages are connected across endterminals 197C, 197D, 197E and common end terminal 199, the concentratedwinding stages may be electronically commutated in another preselectedsequence to effect the operation of ECM in a high speed-low torque modewherein the permanent magnet rotor means is driven with rotationalmovement in one of the aforementioned clockwise and counterclockwisedirections, as discussed in greater detail hereinafter. Whileconcentrated winding stages C, D, E of ECM 31 have been illustratedherein as having tapped sections 195C, 195D, 195E for the purposes ofdisclosure, it is contemplated that other such concentrated windingstages having tapped sections in excess of one with at least oneconcentrated winding therein or other such concentrated winding stageswithout a tapped section therein may be utilized within the scope of theinvention so as to meet at least some of the objects thereof.Additionally, while ECM 31 has been illustrated herein as beingelectronically commutated in one preselected sequence to effect theoperation of the ECM in its low speed-high torque mode and in anotherpreselected sequence to effect the operation of the ECM in its highspeed-low torque mode, merely for the purpose of disclosure, it iscontemplated that such ECM may be provided with concentrated windingstages without taps therein which may be electronically commutated in apreselected sequence to afford a desired operation of the ECM within thescope of the invention so as to meet at least some of the objectsthereof. If a more detailed discussion of an electronically commutatedmotor operable in a low speed-high torque mode and a high speed-lowtorque mode is desired, reference may be had to U.S. Pat. No. 4,528,485issued Jul. 9, 1985, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

With further reference to the drawings in general and recapitulating atleast in part with respect to the foregoing, an apparatus or launderingmachine 211 is shown schematically for laundering fabrics (not shown) ina fluid (not shown), and the apparatus is provided with means 213 forreceiving fluid therein (FIG. 24). Spinning means 215 is disposed inreceiving means 213 and is operable in a spin mode for spinning thefabrics to effect centrifugal displacement of fluid therefrom, andmeans, indicated generally at 217, is conjointly operable with spinningmeans 215 in the spin mode and is operable independently of the spinningmeans in a laundering mode for agitating the fabrics in fluid inreceiving means 213 (FIG. 24). Inside-out salient pole electronicallycommutated motor 31 has its yoke 35 secured in mounting relation toreceiving means 213 exteriorly thereof, and concentrated winding stagesC, D, E adapted to be electronically commutated in a plurality ofpreselected sequences define salient poles 37 generally outwardly of theyoke on pitch axes 39, respectively (FIGS. 1 and 24). Permanent magnetrotor means 101 arranged generally circumferentially about salient poles37 on yoke 35 is associated in selective magnetic coupling relation withconcentrated winding stages C, D, E for rotatably driving agitatingmeans 217 to effect its independent operation in the laundering modeupon the electronic commutation of the concentrated winding stages inone of the preselected sequences and for rotatably driving the agitatingmeans upon the conjoint operation thereof with spinning means 215 in thespin mode when the concentrated winding stages are electronicallycommutated in another of the preselected sequences (FIGS. 1 and 24).

More particularly and with specific reference to FIGS. 24 and 25,receiving means 217 comprises a fluid tub 219 having a generally annularbase wall 221, and a generally circumferential sidewall 223 may beintegrally formed with the base wall defining therewith a chamber orchamber means 225 for the laundering fluid within the fluid tub. Agenerally annular flange or flange means 227 integral with base wall 221of fluid tub 219 depends therefrom and defines an opening or passage 229which extends through the base wall to intersect or communicate withfluid chamber 225 in the fluid tub. A pump or pumping means 231 isassociated or connected in fluid communication with chamber 225 in fluidtub 219 by suitable means, such as a conduit 233 or the like forinstance, and the pump is operable for pumping or draining at least apart of the fluid from the fluid tub at least during the spin modeoperation of spinning means 215, as discussed in greater detailhereinafter. Albeit now shown for purposes of brevity of disclosure anddrawing simplification, fluid tub 219 may be either fixedly securedagainst movement to a cabinet (not shown) for apparatus 211 in anysuitable manner well known to the art or may be movably supported withinsuch cabinet in any suitable manner well known to the art.

Spinning means 215 comprises a spin tub or basket 235 and a tubularsleeve 237 arranged for conjoint rotation and with the tubular sleevehaving a stepped opening 239 therethrough. Tubular sleeve 237 extends atleast in part generally coaxially through flange 227 on fluid tub 219and into chamber 225 thereof, and bearing means, such as a set of ballbearings 241 or the like for instance, are disposed or retained bysuitable means well known to the art within flange opening 229 injournaling or bearing engagement between flange 227 and the tubularsleeve thereby to rotatably support spinning means 215 in apparatus 211.Means, such as a running seal 243 or the like for instance well known tothe art, is also provided for sealing between flange 227 and tubularsleeve 237, and the sealing means or running seal retains the fluidwithin chamber 225 of fluid tub 219 against passage therefrom throughopening 229 in the flange of the fluid tub while also isolating bearings241 from the fluid. Spin tub 235 is rotatably disposed within fluid tub219 and is arranged to receive the fluid and fabric to be launderedtherein, and the spin tub is provided with an integral base wall 245 andcircumferential sidewall 247 arranged generally adjacent base wall 221and sidewall 223 of fluid tub 219 in spaced apart relation therewith,respectively. An opening 249 in base wall 245 of spin tub 235 isdisposed about tubular sleeve 237 in chamber 225, and means, such welds251 or the like for instance, are provided generally about opening 249for securing the spin tub and tubular sleeve together so as to beconjointly rotatable. A plurality of apertures or passage means 253 areprovided through base wall 245 and sidewall 247 of spin tub 235 for thepassage of fluid therethrough when fluid is received in fluid tub 219 ordrained therefrom at least upon the spin mode operation of spinningmeans 215, as discussed in greater detail hereinafter.

A rotatable spindle or shaft 255 extends generally coaxially throughopening 239 in tubular sleeve 237, and bearing means, such as a set ofball bearings 257 or the like for instance, are disposed or retained bysuitable means well known to the art within the tubular sleeve openingin journaling or bearing engagement between the tubular sleeve and theshaft thereby to rotatably support the shaft. Means, such as anotherrunning seal 259 or the like for instance as well known in the art, isprovided for sealing between tubular sleeve 237 and shaft 255, and thesealing means or running seal obviates the passage of fluid from chamber225 in fluid tub 219 through opening 239 in the tubular sleeve whilealso isolating bearings 257 from the fluid. An agitator 261 is rotatablydisposed in spin tub 215 and is secured by suitable means, such as abolt 263 or the like for instance, to an upper end or end portion 265 ofshaft 255 which extends through running seal 259. Thus, shaft 255 andagitator 261 are interconnected for conjoint rotation and generallycomprise agitating means 217.

As best seen in FIGS. 25 and 26, a clutch means or clutch device 267associated with spinning means 215 and agitating means 217 is operablegenerally in response to rotational speeds in excess of a preselectedvalue of the agitating means for effecting the conjoint operation of theagitating means and the spinning means in the spin mode operationthereof, as discussed in greater detail hereinafter. Clutch 267 has anabutment or abutment means 269 disposed within opening 239 of tubularsleeve 237 and secured by suitable means to the tubular sleeve forconjoint rotation therewith. Clutch 267 also includes a sleeve housing271 disposed about shaft 255 within tubular sleeve opening 239 andsecured by suitable means to the shaft for conjoint rotation therewith.Sleeve housing 271 has a generally vertical slot 273 therein, and arotational speed responsive member, such as a pivoted arm or abutment275 or the like for instance, is pivotally movable in the slot beingpivotally mounted on a pivot pin 277 carried by the sleeve housing inspanning relation across the slot. A stop or abutment pin 279 is alsocarried by sleeve housing 271 in spanning relation across slot 273 forabutting or displacement limiting engagement with pivot arm 275 todefine its pivotally displaced position in response to rotational speedsof the shaft in excess of the aforementioned preselected value, asillustrated in dotted outline in FIG. 25. Of course, when pivot arm 275is engaged with stop 279, the pivot arm is also engaged or abutted indriving relation with abutment 269 on tubular sleeve 237 to effect theconjoint rotation of spinning means 215 and agitating means 217, asdiscussed in detail hereinafter.

Yoke section 35 of ECM 31 is secured in mounting relation generallycircumferentially about flange 227 of fluid tub 219 by suitable means,such as a generally annular mounting device 281 or the like forinstance, which is interposed or otherwise interconnected between thefluid tub flange and inner circumferential surface 47a of the yokesection; however, for the sake of drawing simplification and brevity ofdisclosure, the securement of the mounting device with the yoke sectionof the ECM and the fluid tub flange is omitted. When yoke section 35 ofECM 31 is mounted to flange 227 of fluid tub 219, printed cirucit board91 secured to the yoke section is disposed in adjacent spaced relationfrom base wall 221 of fluid tub 219. It is contemplated that mountingdevice or plate 281 may be formed from a metallic material, such asaluminum or the like for instance, having not only the desiredmechanical strength but also having good heat transfer characteristicsthereby to define a heat sink for a hybrid power package 283 of solidstate components which may, if desired, be disposed in mounting relationon the mounting device. Furthermore, in order to enhance theaforementioned heat transfer characteristics of mounting device 281, atleast some of the surfaces thereof may be serrated, as indicated at 285.A coupling or coupling means 287 is secured by suitable means, such aspress-fitting or keying or the like for instance, to shaft 255 at leastgenerally adjacent a lower end or end portion 289 thereof, and outercircumferential surface 115 on rotor 103 of ECM 31 is connected indriving engagement with coupling 287 by suitable means, such as a spideror other driving member 291 or the like for instance. Thus, coupling 287and driving member 291 comprise a means for rotatably driving shaft 255from rotor 103 of ECM 31. It may be noted that the component parts ofapparatus 211 are arranged generally concentrically about a centerlineaxis 293 of the apparatus which, of course, is believed to enhance thestability and the balance of the apparatus. Furthermore, to complete thedescription of apparatus 211, it may also be noted that some componentparts of the apparatus and ECM 31 are shared. For instance, flange 227on fluid tub 219 serves as a mounting housing for ECM 31, bearing means241, 257 not only rotatably support spinning means 215 and agitatingmeans 217 but also permanent magnet rotor means 101 of ECM 31, and shaft255 of the agitating means also serves as a shaft for rotatablysupporting the permanent magnet rotor means. While the configurationsand associations of the component parts of apparatus 211, as discussedabove, are illustrated herein merely for the purposes of disclosure, itis contemplated that such apparatus may be provided with component partshaving various other configurations and associated with each other invarious different manners.

To effect the operation of apparatus 211 in its laundering mode, assumethat tap changing relays 201C, 201D, 201E are made with tap terminals205C, 205D, 205E connecting concentrated windings 67-1 to 67-8 inconcentrated winding stages C, D, E in circuit relation between endterminals 197C, 197D, 197E and common end terminal 199 thereof so as toplace ECM 31 in condition for operation in its low speed-high torquemode. When concentrated winding stages C, D, E are electronicallycommutated in one preselected sequence to effect the operation of ECM 31in its low speed-high torque mode, as best seen in FIGS. 22 and 29 andas discussed in greater detail hereinafter, permanent magnet rotor means101 is rotatably driven with oscillatory motion through the selectivemagnetic coupling relation thereof with the electronically commutatedconcentrated winding stages, and such oscillatory motion is transmittedfrom the permanent magnet rotor means through spider 291 and coupling287 to shaft 255 and therefrom to agitator 261. This oscillatory motion,i.e., in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, so transferred toagitator 261 effects the complementary oscillatory or agitating movementthereof on bearing means 257 relative to tubular sleeve 237 and spin tub235 thereby to agitate and effect the laundering of fabrics receivedwithin the spin tub in fluid received in chamber 225 of fluid tub 219and passed through apertures 253 in the spin tub thereinto. Of course,sleeve housing 271 of clutch 267 on agitator shaft 255 is conjointlyrotatable therewith; however, the angular velocity of the oscillatorymovement of the agitator shaft in response to the low speed-high torquemode operation of ECM 31 is predeterminately less than theaforementioned preselected value necessary to effect the pivotaldisplacement of clutch pivot arm 275 from its at-rest position into itspivotally displaced position, as illustrated in dotted outline in FIG.25, for driving engagement with abutment 269 on tubular sleeve 237.Thus, since pivot arm 275 of clutch 267 remains disengaged from itscooperating abutment 269 on tubular sleeve 237, it may be noted thatagitating means 217 is operable or oscillatable independently ofspinning means 215 during the operation of apparatus 211 in thelaundering mode thereof. At the end of laundering mode operation ofapparatus 211, pump 231 may be selectively actuated to effect drainageof the laundering fluid from chamber 225 of fluid tub 219 throughconduit 233.

Subsequent to the operation of apparatus 211 in its laundering mode, theapparatus may be operated in its spin mode. To effect the operation ofapparatus 211 in its spin mode, assume that tap changing relays 201C,201D, 201E are made with tap terminals 203C, 203D, 203E connectingtapped sections 195C, 195D, 195E of concentrated winding stages incircuit relation between end terminals 197C, 197D, 197E and common endterminal 199 thereof so as to place ECM 31 in condition for operation inits high speed-low torque mode. When tapped sections 195C, 195D, 195E ofconcentrated winding stages C, D, E are electronically commutated inanother preselected sequence to effect the operation of ECM 31 in itshigh speed-low torque mode, as discussed in greater detail hereinafter,permanent magnet rotor means 101 is rotatably driven in one direction,i.e., either clockwise or counterclockwise, through the selectivemagnetic coupling relation thereof with the electronically commutatedconcentrated winding stages, and such rotational movement is transmittedfrom the permanent magnet rotor means through spider 291 and coupling287 to agitator shaft 255 and agitator 261. Sleeve housing 271 of clutch267 on agitator shaft 255 is, of course, conjointly rotatable therewith,and the angular velocity or speed of the rotational movement of theagitator shaft in response to the high speed-low torque mode operationof ECM 31 is predeterminately greater than the aforementionedpreselected value necessary to effect the pivotal displacement of clutchpivot arm 275 from its at-rest position to the pivotally displacedposition thereof, as illustrated in dotted outline in FIG. 25. Thus,upon the pivotal displacement of pivot arm 275 about its pivot pin 277generally radially outwardly of sleeve housing 271 within verticalgroove 273 toward the pivotally displaced position of the pivot arm, apart of the pivot arm becomes engaged or abuts with abutment 269 mountedto tubular sleeve 237 within opening 239 thereof. When pivot arm 275 ispivotally displaced into driving engagement with abutment 269, clutch267 is, of course, actuated thereby to effect the conjoint rotation withagitator shaft 255 and agitator 261 of spin tub 235 and tubular sleeve237 on bearing means 241. This conjoint rotation of shaft 255, agitator261, tubular sleeve 237 and spin tub 235 effected by the actuation ofclutch 267 in response to the high speed-low torque operation of ECM 31results in the spinning of the fabrics within the spin tub thereby toeffect centrifugal displacement of fluid from the fabrics. Of course,the centrifugally displaced fluid passes from spin tub 235 throughapertures 253 therein into chamber 225 of fluid tub 219, and pump 231 isoperable to drain such centrifugally displaced fluid from the spin tubchamber through conduit 233. Thus, it may be noted that during theoperation of apparatus 211 in its spin mode, spinning means 215 andagitating means 217 are conjointly operable through the action of clutch267 in response to the high speed-low torque mode operation of ECM 31.While only the laundering and spin mode operations of apparatus 211 havebeen discussed hereinabove for purposes of disclosure, it iscontemplated that such apparatus may also be operated in various othermodes.

An alternative clutch means 267a is illustrated in FIG. 27 for use inapparatus 211. Clutch 267a comprises an inner ring 295 of suitablematerial secured by suitable means such as press-fitting or the like forinstance, about agitator shaft 255, and an abutment or finger 297integral with the ring extends outwardly therefrom toward opening 239 intubular sleeve 237. Clutch 267a also has an outer ring 299 of suitablematerial secured by suitable means, such as press-fitting or the likefor instance, within opening 239 in tubular sleeve 237 so as to extendgenerally circumferentially about inner ring 295 secured to agitatorshaft 255, and another abutment or finger 301 integral with the outerring extends generally inwardly therefrom toward the agitator shaft.During the laundering mode operation of apparatus 211, the oscillatorymovement of inner ring 295 with agitator shaft 255 is such that abutment297 on the inner ring either remains in spaced apart relation fromabutment 301 on outer ring 299 or gently nudges it. However, during thespin mode operation of apparatus 217, the unidirectional rotation ofinner ring 295 with agitator shaft 255 effects abutting engagement ofabutment 297 on the inner ring with abutment 301 on outer ring 299, andin response to this engagement between abutments 297, 301, tubularsleeve 237 is conjointly rotatable with agitator shaft 255.

In FIGS. 28 and 29, there is shown an exemplary drive for apparatus 211to effect its operation in the laundering and spin modes and anexemplary control or circuit for controlling the electronic commutationof ECM 31 in the low speed-high torque mode and the high speed-lowtorque mode thereof. Power supplied from either a 115 volt or a 220 volt60 Hz. line is rectified by a rectifier circuit 303 which defines a DCpower source and applied to a power conditioning circuit 305 whichprovides a rectified and filtered DC voltage V_(B) to be applied to apower switching circuit 307. The operation of circuit 307 is controlledfrom a commutation circuit 309 so that the effective voltage V_(B) isapplied to winding stages C, D, E of ECM 31 in preselected sequences.The above discussed motion or rotation of agitator 261 and spin tub 235is thus controlled by the applied command signals as well as by theaction of commutation circuit 309. A position sensing circuit 311provides signals indicative of the position permanent magnet rotor means101 in ECM 31 for electrically commutating winding stages C, D, Ethereof in a manner well known in the art.

FIG. 29 shows the basic components of an exemplary control circuit orsystem for operating ECM 31 and laundry machine 211. Full wave bridgerectifier circuit 303 having its input nodes supplied with AC powerprovides full wave rectified AC power to lines 313, 315. The rectifiedAC carried by lines 313, 315 is smoothed and filtered by a capacitor 319thereby providing a filtered DC voltage to power switching circuit 307which controls the application of power to winding stages C, D, E of ECM31. A current limiting thermistor 317 connected in series circuitarrangement between an output node of bridge rectifier 303 and line 313provides protection for power switching circuit 307 in the event of anovercurrent condition.

Power switching circuit 307 is adapted to reflect a relatively highpower factor to the AC line. As shown, winding stages C, D, E areconnected in a full bridge arrangement which offers certain advantagesover a half bridge connection. In the half bridge connection, thewinding current flows through a single winding only. In the full bridgeconnection of FIG. 29, common terminal 199 of each of the winding stagesis connected to a point common to all three winding stages. Each of theother end terminals 197C, 197D, 197E of winding stages C, D, E are eachconnected through corresponding sections of a braking relay 323 toseparate junction points 325, 327 and 329, respectively, which joinrespective pairs of commutation transistors 331A, 331B; 333A, 333B; and335A, 335B, respectively. Each transistor pair is connected in seriesacross lines 313, 315 and each transistor base is connected to receive asignal from commutation circuit 309. The commutation signals applied tothe commutation transistors are generated by commutation circuit 309 inresponse to position signals provided by position sensing circuit 311which is connected to receive back EMF signals V_(C), V_(D), and V_(E).

Each of commutation transistors 331A, 331B, 333A, 333B, 335A and 335Bhas a diode connected thereacross, designated 337A, 337B, 339A, 339B,341A and 341B, respectively. The purpose of these diodes is to providealternate current paths for inductive current through winding stages C,D, E when the commutating transistors become nonconductive. When thetransistors are commutated, the inductive reactance of winding stages C,D, E will tend to force current to continue to pass through the windingstages after the transistors have been commutated. Accordingly, thediodes provide a current path for the inductive current subsequent tocommutation. The inductive current in winding stages C, D, E may also beeffected by gating into conduction of other transistors in the fullbridge arrangement.

Braking relay 323 switches between a first position in which windingstages C, D, E are coupled respectively to junction points 325, 327, 329for operating ECM 31 in a power mode and a position in which the windingstages are short circuited on themselves. In this latter position, theinductive current in winding stages C, D, E is short circuited such thatthe current forces a braking action of ECM 31. This type of brakingaction is well known in the motor art and is commonly referred to as"plug braking". In plug braking, the energy of the system to which themotor is connected is returned to the motor windings by creating acurrent in the windings so that the motor acts as a generator and thegenerated current is thermally dissipated within the motor windings.

Tap changing relay 201 allows each of winding stages C, D, E to beswitched from a first position in which each of concentrated windings67-1 to 67-8 of each winding stage are serially connected to provide thelow speed-high torque operational mode of ECM 31 and a second positionin which only tapped sections 195C, 195D, 195E of each winding stage arecoupled to power switching circuit 307 which provides the high speed-lowtorque operational mode of the ECM. The low speed-high torque positionoccurs when switches 201C, 201D, 201E are to terminals 205C, 205D, 205Eand is utilized in the laundering mode operation of laundering machine211 is previously descissed. When switches 201C, 201D, 201E are coupledto tap 203C, 203D, 203E only tapped sections 195C, 195D, 195E areincluded in the motor power circuit resulting in the high speed-lowtorque mode operation of ECM 31, and this position is utilized in thespin mode operation of the laundering machine as previously mentioned.

Although power switching circuit 307 has been illustrated as usingstandard transistors, it will be appreciated that the transistors mayalternatively be either field effect transistors (FET) or insulated gatetransistors (IGT) with drive circuits appropriate to each located incommutation circuit 309. The construction and arrangement of thecommutation circuit 309 is detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,449,079 issuedMay 15, 1984 which is incorporated herein by reference. Commutationcircuit 309 is controlled in response to a voltage reference signalV_(ref) supplied from a voltage reference source 343 and by a currentreference signal I_(ref) supplied by a current reference source 345. Thecurrent reference I_(ref) is a peak current setting established by themanufacturer for constraining the maximum power output of powerswitching circuit 307. A current sensing shunt 347 provides a currentsense signal which is compared to the current reference signal in orderto generate an error signal for use in commutation circuit 309. The useof the current reference signal and current sense signal for developingcurrent control gating signals for switching transistors 331A, 331B,333A, 333B, 335A, 335B in power switching circuit 307 is well known inthe art and will not be described herein.

Voltage reference source 343 represents information derived from amicrocomputer (not shown) or other control device which provides voltagewave forms for controlling the commutation of transistors 331A, 331B,333A, 333B, 335A, 335B within power switching circuit 307 in such amanner as to create the agitate and spin motion profiles of launderingmachine 211. The V_(ref) signal is compared with a motor voltage V_(m)to obtain an error signal for controlling the switching transistors. Themotor voltage V_(m) is derived from a voltage divider comprising firstand second serially connected resistors 349 and 351 connected betweenvoltage buses 313, 315. The voltage intermediate resistors 349, 351 is avoltage directly proportional to the voltage V_(m) on ECM 31.

If a more detailed discussion of the operation of the exemplary drive orcontrol for an ECM operable in a low speed-high torque and highspeed-low torque mode is desired, reference may be had to theaforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,528,485 issued July 9, 1985. For a moredetailed discussion of the operation of commutation circuit 309 inresponse to voltage reference source 343 and current reference source345, reference may be had to the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,449,079.

From the foregoing, it is now apparent that a novel salient poleelectronically commutated motor and a novel salient pole core have beendisclosed for accomplishing the objects set forth hereinabove, as wellas others, and that changes as to the precise arrangements, shapes,details and connections of the component parts of such salient poleelectronically commutated motor and salient pole core may be made bythose having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spiritof the invention or from the scope thereof as set out in the followingclaims.

What we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of theUnited States is:
 1. A salient pole stator core for a dynamoelectricmachine having a plurality of concentrated windings comprising:anedgewise wound yoke including a lanced strip of generally thinferromagnetic material having a pair of generally opposite edges andbeing edgewise wound into a plurality of generally helical convolutionsarranged in a generally annular stack thereby to define said edgewisewound yoke, a pair of opposite end portions on said wound lanced stripdefining a pair of first opposite end faces on said edgewise wound yoke,said opposite edges defining generally radially spaced apart outer andinner circumferential surface extending a preselected axial lengthacross said edgewise wound yoke between said first opposite end faces,and a plurality of spaced apart notches in one of said opposite edgesand aligned in a plurality of notch rows extending generally axiallyacross said outer circumferential surface between said first oppositeend faces, respectively; a set of salient pole means for respectivelyreceiving the concentrated windings and arranged on a set of preselectedpitch axes so as to extend generally radially outwardly from said outercircumferential surface, said salient pole piece means each including aplurality of lanced laminations of a generally thin ferromagneticmaterial with said lanced laminations being secured together generallyin face-to-face relation in a stack thereof, a pair of second oppositeend faces on said lanced lamination stack and arranged at leastgenerally in planar relation with said first opposite end faces, anintermediate winding receiving section on said lanced lamination stackinterposed between a generally arcuate tip section and a base sectionthereof, said tip section extending generally radially beyond saidintermediate section in spaced apart relation with said outercircumferential surface and said base section being arranged inengagement with said outer circumferential surface at least generallyadjacent a respective one of said notch rows, and extension means onsaid base section and received in said respective one notch row indisplacement preventing engagement therewith for retaining said eachsalient pole piece means against displacement from said edgewise woundyoke, said intermediate, tip and base sections and said extension meansextending between said second opposite end faces, respectively; meansdisposed at least in part within said notch rows and engaged betweensaid extension means and said edgewise wound yoke for retaining saidextension means in the displacement preventing engagement thereof withsaid notch rows, respectively; and a set of winding receiving slotsextending across the preselected axial length of said edgewise woundcore and defined between said outer circumferential surface and adjacentones of said salient pole piece means, and each of said slots includingan open end extending between said tip sections of said adjacent ones ofsaid salient pole piece means, respectively.
 2. A salient pole core fora dynamoelectric machine comprising:an edgewise wound yoke including alanced strip of generally thin ferromagnetic material edgewise andhelically wound into a plurality of helical convolutions arrangedgenerally in aligned relation in a generally loose wound annular stackdefining said edgewise wound yoke, at least one edge on said woundlanced strip having a plurality of spaced apart notches therein withsaid at least one edge defining an outer circumferential surface on saidedgewise wound yoke and with said notches extending in a plurality ofrows thereof generally axially across said outer circumferentialsurface, respectively; and a set of salient pole pieces extending on aset of preselected pitch axes generally outwardly from said outercircumferential surface and said salient pole pieces including a set ofextension means received in said notch rows for retaining said salientpole pieces against displacement from said edgewise wound yoke and forretaining said helical convolutions against displacement from theiraligned relation in said annular stack, respectively.
 3. A salient polecore for a dynamoelectric machine comprising:an edgewise wound yokeincluding a lanced strip of generally thin ferromagnetic materialedgewise and helically wound into a plurality of helical convolutionsarranged generally in aligned relation in a generally loose woundannular stack defining said edgewise wound yoke, at least one edge onsaid wound lanced strip having a plurality of spaced apart extensionsthereon with said at least one edge defining an outer circumferentialsurface on said edgewise wound yoke and with said extensions extendingin a plurality of extension rows generally axially across said outercircumferential surface, respectively; and a set of salient pole piecesextending on a set of preselected pitch axes generally outwardly fromsaid outer circumferential surface on said edgewise wound yoke, and saidsalient pole pieces including a set of notch means receiving saidextension rows on said outer circumferential surface of said edgewisewound yoke in displacement preventing engagement for retaining saidsalient poles against displacement from said edgewise wound yoke and forretaining said helical convolutions against displacement from theiraligned relation in said annular stack, respectively.
 4. A salient polecore for a dynamoelectric machine comprising:an edgewise wound yokeincluding an edgewise and helically wound lanced strip of generally thinferromagnetic material arranged generally in aligned relation in agenerally annular stack and having at least one edge defining an outercircumferential surface on said edgewise wound yoke, and extendinggenerally axially thereacross; a set of salient pole pieces extendingabout a set of preselected pitch axes generally outwardly from saidcircumferential surface on said edgewise wound yoke respectively; andsaid edgewise wound yoke and said salient pole pieces including a pairof sets of means associated in displacement preventing engagement forretaining said salient pole pieces against displacement from saidedgewise wound yoke and for retaining said edgewise and helically woundlanced strip against displacement from the aligned relation thereof insaid annular stack, respectively.
 5. A salient pole core as set forth inclaim 4 wherein said retaining means of one of said retaining means setscomprise a set of groove means in said outer circumferential surfaceextending generally axially across said edgewise wound yoke forreceiving in the displacement preventing engagement said retaining meansof the other of said retaining means sets on said salient pole pieces,and said groove means being defined by a plurality of notches in said atleast one edge of said wound lanced strip arranged generally in aplurality of rows thereof generally axially across said edgewise woundyoke, respectively.
 6. A salient pole core as set forth in claim 5wherein said retaining means of said other retaining means includes aset of extension means on said salient pole pieces for reception in saidgroove means of said edgewise wound yoke in the displacement preventingengagement therewith, respectively.
 7. A salient pole core as set forthin claim 4 wherein said retaining means of one of said retaining meanssets comprises a set of groove means in said salient pole pieces forreceiving in the displacement preventing engagement said retaining meansof the other of said retaining means sets on said edgewise wound yoke,respectively.
 8. A salient pole core as set forth in claim 7 whereinsaid retaining means of said other retaining means set includes a set ofextension means extending generally radially outwardly from said outercircumferential surface on said edgewise wound yoke and generallyaxially thereacross for reception in the displacement preventingengagement within said groove means in said salient pole pieces, andsaid extension means being defined by a plurality of spaced apartprojections extending from said at least one edge on said wound lancedstrip and arranged generally in a plurality of rows thereof generallyaxially across said edgewise wound core, respectively.
 9. A salient polecore as set forth in claim 4 further comprising a set of wedge means forassociation in engagement between said retaining means of said pair ofsets thereof, respectively.
 10. A salient pole core for a dynamoelectricmachine comprising:an edgewise wound yoke including an edgewise andhelically wound strip of generally thin ferromagnetic material arrangedgenerally in aligned relation in a generally annular stack and having atleast one edge defining an outer circumferential surface on saidedgewise wound yoke and extending generally axially thereacross; and aset of salient pole pieces secured in displacement preventing engagementto said edgewise wound yoke at least generally adjacent its outercircumferential surface so as to retain said wound strip againstdisplacement from said annular stack and extending generally outwardlyfrom said outer circumferential surface about a set of preselected pitchaxes, respectively.
 11. A salient pole core as set forth in claim 10further comprising a hardenable adhesive means disposed between saidsalient pole pieces and said outer circumferential surface on saidedgewise wound yoke for effecting the securement thereto of said salientpole pieces, respectively.
 12. A salient pole core as set forth in claim10 wherein each of said salient pole pieces comprises a plurality oflanced laminations of generally thin ferromagnetic material with saidlanced laminations being secured together generally in interfacingrelation in a stack thereof, respectively.
 13. A salient pole core asset forth in claim 10 wherein said edgewise wound yoke and said salientpole pieces each include a pair of opposite end faces arranged generallyin parallel relation with each other and with said outer circumferentialsurface on said edgewise wound yoke extending generally axially betweensaid opposite end faces thereof, respectively.
 14. A salient pole coreas set forth in claim 10 wherein said salient pole pieces include a setof generally arcuate tip sections arranged generally in radially spacedapart relation with said outer circumferential surface on said edgewisewound yoke, respectively.
 15. A salient pole core as set forth in claim10 wherein said edgewise wound yoke further includes another edge onsaid wound strip generally opposite said at least one edge thereof anddefining an inner circumferential surface extending generally axiallyacross said edgewise wound yoke in radially spaced apart relation withsaid outer circumferential surface thereof.
 16. A salient pole core asset forth in claim 10 further comprising a set of extensions on one ofsaid salient pole pieces and said outer circumferential surface of saidedgewise wound core, and a set of groove means in the other of saidsalient pole pieces and said outer circumferential surface of saidedgewise wound core for receiving in displacement preventing engagementsaid extensions thereby to effect the securement of said salient polepieces to said edgewise wound yoke, respectively.
 17. A salient polecore as set forth in claim 16 further comprising a set of means forwedging in engagement between said extensions and said groove means,respectively.
 18. A salient pole core for a dynamoelectric machinecomprising:an edgewise wound yoke including a plurality of edgewise andhelically wound convolutions of a lanced strip of a generally thinferromagnetic material arranged generally in aligned relation in agenerally loose wound annular stack defining said yoke, said yoke havingan outer circumferential surface extending generally axiallythereacross; and a set of salient pole pieces extending on a set ofpreselected pitch axes generally outwardly from said outercircumferential surface on said edgewise wound yoke, each of saidsalient pole pieces including a plurality of lanced laminations ofgenerally thin ferromagnetic material arranged generally in a stackthereof and secured together in interfacing relation, an intermediatewinding receiving section on said lanced lamination stack interposedbetween a generally arcuate tip section and a base section thereof, saidarcuate tip section of said lanced lamination stack being arrangedgenerally in radially spaced relation with said outer circumferentialsurface on said edgewise wound yoke, and said base section being securedin displacement preventing engagement to said edgewise wound yoke atleast generally adjacent said outer circumferential surface to retainsaid helical convolutions against displacement from their alignedrelation in the annular stack, respectively.
 19. A salient poleelectronically commutated motor comprising:an edgewise wound yokeincluding a first lanced strip of generally thin ferromagnetic materialhaving a pair of first generally opposite edges and being edgewise woundinto a plurality of first generally helical convolutions thereofarranged in a first generally annular stack thereby to define saidedgewise wound yoke, a pair of first opposite end portions on said firstwound lanced strip defining a pair of first opposite end faces on saidedgewise wound yoke, said first opposite edges on said first woundlanced strip defining generally radially spaced apart first outer andinner circumferential surfaces extending a preselected axial lengthacross said edgewise wound yoke between said first opposite end facesthereon, and a plurality of first spaced apart notches in one of saidfirst opposite edges of said first wound lanced strip and aligned in aplurality of first rows thereof extending generally axially across saidfirst outer circumferential surface of said edgewise wound yoke betweensaid first opposite end faces thereof, respectively; a set of salientpole pieces arranged on a set of preselected pitch axes therefor aboutsaid first outer circumferential surface on said edgewise wound yoke,said salient pole pieces each including a plurality of lancedlaminations of generally thin ferromagnetic material with said lancedlaminations being secured together generally in face-to-face relation ina stack thereof, a pair of second opposite end faces on said lancedlamination stack and arranged at least generally coextensively with saidfirst opposite end faces on said edgewise wound yoke, an intermediatesection on said lamination stack interposed between a generally arcuatetip section and a base section thereof, said tip section extendinggenerally radially beyond said intermediate section in spaced apartrelation with said first outer circumferential surface on said edgewisewound yoke and said base section being arranged in engagement with saidfirst outer circumferential surface at least generally adjacent arespective one of said first notch rows therein, and extension means onsaid base section and received in said respective one first notch row indisplacement preventing engagement therewith for retaining said eachsalient pole piece against displacement from said edgewise wound yoke,said intermediate, tip and base sections and said extension meansextending between said second opposite end faces on said each salientpole piece, respectively; a set of means disposed at least in partwithin said first notch rows and engaged between said extension means onsaid salient pole pieces and said edgewise wound yoke for retaining saidextension means on said salient pole pieces in the displacementpreventing engagement thereof with said first notch rows in said firstouter circumferential surface of said edgewise wound yoke, respectively;a set of winding stage receiving slots extending across the preselectedaxial length of said edgewise wound core and defined between said firstouter circumferential surface thereon and adjacent ones of said salientpole pieces, and each of said slots including an open end extendingbetween said tip sections of said adjacent ones of said salient polepieces, respectively; a multistage winding arrangement associated withsaid salient pole pieces and including a set of concentrated windingstages adapted to be electronically commutated in at least onepreselected sequence, respectively, each of said concentrated windingstages being disposed about said intermediate section of respective onesof said lanced lamination stacks between said tip section and basesection thereof so as to extend through adjacent ones of said slots, andsaid each concentrated winding stage comprising an insulated conductorwith at least one conductor turn thereof disposed about saidintermediate section of said respective ones of said lanced laminationstacks; a set of means for insulating said salient pole pieces and partsadjacent thereto of said outer circumferential surface on said yoke fromsaid concentrated winding stages, respectively; and an edgewise woundrotor including a second lanced strip of generally thin ferromagneticmaterial having a pair of second generally opposite edges and beingedgewise wound into a plurality of second generally helical convolutionsthereof arranged in a second generally annular stack thereby to definesaid edgewise wound rotor, a pair of second opposite end portions onsaid second wound lanced strip defining a pair of third opposite endfaces on said edgewise wound rotor, said second opposite edges on saidsecond wound lanced strip defining generally radially spaced apartsecond outer and inner circumferential surfaces extending a preselectedaxial length across said edgewise wound rotor between said thirdopposite end faces thereon and with said second inner circumferentialsurface extending generally circumferentially about said tip sections ofsaid salient pole pieces on said edgewise wound yoke, and a plurality ofsecond spaced apart notches in one of said second opposite edges of saidsecond wound lanced strip and aligned in a plurality of second rowsthereof extending generally axially across said second innercircumferential surface of said edgewise wound rotor between said thirdopposite end faces thereof, respectively; and a set of permanent magnetmaterial elements disposed at least in part within said second spacedapart notches in said second inner circumferential surface on saidedgewise wound rotor and secured thereto against displacement, saidedgewise wound rotor and said permanent magnet material elements beingassociated in selective magnetic coupling relation with saidconcentrated winding stages so as to be conjointly rotatably driventhereby upon the electronic commutation of at least some of saidconcentrated winding stages in the at least one preselected sequence,respectively.
 20. A salient pole electronically commutated motorcomprising:a generally annular edgewise wound yoke including a pluralityof first generally helical convolutions of a first edgewise deformedlanced strip of generally thin ferromagnetic material having a pair offirst generally opposite edges thereon defining first outer and innercircumferential surfaces on the yoke section extending generally axiallythereacross, respectively; a set of salient pole pieces disposed on aset of preselected pitch axes therefor generally about said first outercircumferential surface on said yoke so as to extend generally outwardlytherefrom, respectively, each of said salient pole pieces including aplurality of lanced laminations of a generally thin ferromagneticmaterial secured together in a stack thereof, an intermediate section onsaid lanced lamination stack, a base section on said lanced laminationstack integral with said intermediate section thereof and engaged withsaid first outer circumferential surface, a generally arcuate tipsection integral with said intermediate section and spaced from saidbase section, and a pair of opposite tip ends on said tip sectionextending beyond said intermediate section in spaced apart relation withsaid first outer circumferential surface on said yoke section,respectively; a multistage winding arrangement associated with saidsalient pole pieces including a set of concentrated winding stagesadapted to be electronically commutated in at least one preselectedsequence, said concentrated winding stages comprising a set of insulatedconductors having at least one conductor turn thereof disposed aboutsaid intermediate sections on said lanced lamination stack of saidsalient pole pieces, respectively; a generally annular edgewise woundrotor including plurality of second generally helical convolutions of asecond edgewise deformed lanced strip of generally thin ferromagneticmaterial having a pair of second opposite edges thereon defining secondouter and inner circumferential surfaces on the rotor extendinggenerally axially thereacross, respectively, said second innercircumferential surface on said rotor being arranged generally inradially spaced apart relation with said tip sections of said salientpole pieces and said first outer circumferential surface on said yoke;and a set of permanent magnet material elements secured to said rotor atleast generally adjacent said second inner circumferential surfacethereof and arranged in generally arcuately spaced relation with respectto each other about said second inner circumferential surface,respectively, said permanent magnet material elements and said rotorbeing associated in selective magnetic coupling relation with saidconcentrated winding stages so as to be conjointly rotatably driventhereby upon the electronic commutation of at least some of saidconcentrated winding stages in the at least one preselected sequence,respectively.
 21. A salient pole electronically commutated motorcomprising:an edgewise wound yoke including a lanced strip of generallythin ferromagnetic material edgewise and helically wound into aplurality of helical convolutions arranged in a generally annular stackthereof defining said edgewise wound yoke, at least one edge on saidwound lanced strip having a plurality of spaced apart notches thereinwith said at least one edge defining an outer circumferential surface onsaid edgewise wound yoke and with said notches extending in a pluralityof rows thereof generally axially across said outer circumferentialsurface, respectively; a set of salient pole pieces extending on a setof preselected pitch axes therefor generally about said outercircumferential surface on said edgewise wound yoke, and said salientpole pieces including a set of extension means received in said notchrows in said outer circumferential surface on said edgewise wound yokein displacement preventing engagement therewith for retaining saidsalient pole pieces against displacement from said edgewise wound yoke,respectively; a multistage winding arrangement associated with saidsalient pole pieces and including a set of concentrated winding stagesdisposed about at least respective ones of said salient pole pieces andadapted to be electronically commutated in at least one preselectedsequence, respectively; and permanent magnet rotor means arrangedgenerally circumferentially about said salient pole pieces andassociated in selective magnetic coupling relation with saidconcentrated winding stages for driven rotation in response to theelectronic commutation of at least some of said concentrated windingstages in the at least one preselected sequence, respectively.
 22. Asalient pole core for a dynamoelectric machine comprising:an edgewisewound yoke including a lanced strip of generally thin ferromagneticmaterial edgewise and helically wound into a plurality of helicalconvolutions arranged in a generally annular stack thereof defining saidedgewise wound yoke, at least one edge on said wound lanced strip havinga plurality of spaced apart extensions thereon with said at least oneedge defining an outer circumferential surface on said edgewise woundyoke and with said extensions extending in a plurality of rows thereofgenerally axially across said outer circumferential surface,respectively; a set of salient pole pieces extending on a set ofpreselected pitch axes therefor generally about said outercircumferential surface on said edgewise wound yoke, and said salientpole pieces including a set of notch means receiving said extension rowson said outer circumferential surface of said edgewise wound yoke indisplacement preventing engagement for retaining said salient polepieces against displacement from said edgewise wound yoke, respectively;a multistage winding arrangement associated with said salient polepieces and including a set of concentrated winding stages disposed aboutat least respective ones of said salient pole pieces and adapted to beelectronically commutated in at least one preselected sequence,respectively; and permanent magnet rotor means rotatably arrangedgenerally circumferentially about said salient pole pieces andassociated in selective magnetic coupling relation with saidconcentrated winding stages for driven rotation in response to theelctronic commutation of at least some of said concentrated windingstages in the at least one preselected sequence, respectively.
 23. Asalient pole electronically commutated motor comprising:an edgewisewound yoke including an edgewise and helically wound lanced strip ofgenerally thin ferromagnetic material having at least one edge definingan outer circumferential surface on said edgewise wound yoke andextending generally axially thereacross; a set of salient pole piecesextending about a set of preselected pitch axes generally outwardly fromsaid circumferential surface on said edgewise wound core, respectively;said edgewise wound yoke and said salient pole pieces including a pairof sets of means associated in displacement preventing engagement forretaining said salient pole pieces against displacement from saidedgewise wound yoke and for retaining said wound lanced strip againstdisplacement in said edgewise wound yoke, respectively; a multistagewinding arrangement with said salient pole pieces and including a set ofconcentrated winding stages disposed about at least respective ones ofsaid salient pole pieces and adapted to be electronically commutated inat least one preselected sequence, respectively; and permanent magnetrotor means arranged generally circumferentially about said salient polepieces and associated in selective magnetic coupling relation with saidconcentrated winding stages for driven rotation in response to theelectronic commutation of at least some of said concentrated windingstages in the at least one preselected sequence, respectively.
 24. Asalient pole electronically commutated motor as set forth in claim 23wherein said retaining means of one of said retaining means setscomprise a set of groove means in said outer circumferential surfaceextending generally axially across said edgewise wound yoke forreceiving in the displacement preventing engagement said retaining meanof the other of said retaining means set on said salient pole pieces,and said groove means being defined by a plurality of notches in said atleast one edge of said wound lanced strip arranged generally in aplurality of rows thereof generally axially across said edgewise woundyoke, respectively.
 25. A salient pole electronically commutated motoras set forth in claim 24 wherein said retaining means of said otherretaining means includes a set of extension means on said salient polepieces for reception in said groove means of said edgewise wound yoke inthe displacement preventing engagement therewith, respectively.
 26. Asalient pole electronically commutated motor as set forth in claim 23wherein said retaining means of one of said retaining means setscomprise a set of groove means in said salient pole pieces for receivingin the displacement preventing engagement said retaining means of theother of said retaining means sets on said edgewise wound yoke,respectively.
 27. A salient pole electronically commutated motor as setforth in claim 26 wherein said retaining means of said other retainingmeans set includes a set of extension means extending generallyoutwardly from said outer circumferential surface on said edgewise woundyoke and generally axially thereacross for reception in the displacementpreventing engagement within said groove means in said salient polepieces, and said extension means being defined by a plurality of spacedapart projections extending from said at least one edge on said woundlanced strip and arranged generally in a plurality of rows thereofgenerally axially across said edgewise wound core, respectively.
 28. Asalient pole electronically commutated motor as set forth in claims 23,24, 25, 26 or 27 further comprising a set of means for association inwedging engagement between said retaining means of said retaining meanssets, respectively.
 29. A salient pole electronically commutated motoras set forth in claim 23 wherein each of said concentrated windingstages includes an insulated conductor having at least one conductorturn thereof disposed about said at least respective ones of saidsalient pole pieces.
 30. A salient pole electronically commutated motoras set forth in claim 29 further comprising a printed circuit boardsecured to said edgewise wound yoke and connected in circuit relationwith said insulated conductors, respectively.
 31. A salient poleelectronically commutated motor comprising:an edgewise wound yokeincluding an edgewise and helically wound strip of generally thinferromagnetic material having at least one edge thereon defining anouter circumferential surface on said edgewise wound yoke and extendinggenerally axially thereacross; a set of salient pole pieces seated onsaid outer circumferential surface and secured to said edgewise woundyoke at least generally adjacent said outer circumferential surface soas to extend outwardly from said circumferential surface on a set ofpreselected pitch axes, respectively; a multistage winding arrangementassociated with said salient pole pieces and including a set ofconcentrated winding stages disposed about at least respective ones ofsaid salient pole pieces and adapted to be electronically commutated inat least one preselected sequence, respectively; and permanent magnetrotor means arranged generally circumferentially about said salient polepieces and associated in selective magnetic coupling relation with saidconcentrated winding stages for driven rotation upon the electroniccommutation of at least some of said concentrated winding stages in theat least one preselected sequence, respectively.
 32. A salient poleelectronically commutated motor as set forth in claim 31 wherein saidpermanent magnet rotor means includes an edgewise wound rotor havinganother edgewise and helically wound strip of generally thinferromagnetic material with at least one edge thereon defining an innercircumferential surface on said rotor extending generally axiallythereacross and generally circumferentially about said salient polepieces, respectively.
 33. A salient pole electrically commutated motoras set forth in claim 31 wherein said permanent magnet rotor meansincludes a set of generally arcuate segments of ferromagnetic materialsecured together against displacement so as to define a generallyannular rotor having an inner circumferential surface extendinggenerally axially thereacross and generally circumferentially about saidsalient pole pieces, respectively.
 34. A salient pole electronicallycommutated motor as set forth in claim 32 or 33 wherein said permanentmagnet rotor means further includes a set of permanent magnet materialelements secured to said rotor at least generally adjacent said innercircumferential surface thereof and arranged in preselected arcuatespaced apart relation about said inner circumferential surface,respectively.
 35. A salient pole electronically commutated motor as setforth in claim 31 further comprising a hardenable adhesive meansdisposed between said salient pole pieces and said outer circumferentialsurface on said edgewise wound yoke for effecting the securementthereto, of said salient pole pieces, respectively.
 36. A salient polecore as set forth in claim 31 wherein each of said salient pole piecescomprises a plurality of lanced laminations of generally thinferromagnetic material with said lanced laminations being securedtogether generally in interfacing relation in a stack thereof,respectively.
 37. A salient pole core as set forth in claim 10 furthercomprising a set of extensions on one of said outer circumferentialsurface of said edgewise wound yoke and said salient pole pieces, and aset of groove means in the other of said outer circumferential surfaceof said edgewise wound yoke and said salient pole pieces for receivingin displacement preventing engagement said extensions, respectively. 38.A salient pole core as set forth in claim 37 further comprising a set ofmeans for wedging in engagement between said extensions and said groovemeans, respectively.
 39. A salient pole electronically commutated motoras set forth in claim 31 wherein said concentrated winding stagescomprise a set of insulated conductors having at least one conductorturn thereof disposed about said salient pole pieces, respectively. 40.A salient pole electronically commutated motor as set forth in claim 39further comprising a printed circuit board mounted to said yoke andconnected in circuit relation with said insulated conductors,respectively.